Part 3: Rentals, Occupancy, and Home Businesses

Oakwood is a community of long-term homeowners, but we also have a number of rental properties—some single-family homes, some duplexes or larger, multi-family units. Whether you own or rent, there are certain rules in place that help protect the safety and character of our neighborhoods.

All rental properties in Oakwood must be registered with the city and undergo periodic inspections. These inspections are focused on health and safety: working smoke detectors, safe wiring, proper egress, and other essentials. If you’re a landlord, it’s important to stay current on registration and inspection requirements. If you’re a renter, it’s okay to call the city if you’re concerned about compliance in your unit.

Occupancy limits are another key part of code enforcement. These rules come up occasionally with college students or multi-generational arrangements, and we try to work with each household to ensure compliance and preserve residential zoning standards.

We also get questions about home-based businesses. Many Oakwood residents run businesses from home—accountants, music teachers, consultants, and more. That’s allowed, as long as the business doesn’t change the residential nature of the property. This means there are restrictions on visible signage, customer or client traffic that could affect neighbors, and noise or deliveries that disrupt the area.

The city isn’t trying to limit entrepreneurship—but we are responsible for making sure homes stay homes, not storefronts or office buildings.

Have questions? Call (937)-297-2920.